'God's own country shouldn't turn into rapist country': BJP MP on Kerala rape-murder

New Delhi: With several members in Rajya Sabha demanding "exemplary punishment" for the culprits in the rape and murder of a Dalit woman in Kerala, Social Justice Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot on Wednesday, said he will visit the village of the rape victim tomorrow.

During the Zero Hour, CP Narayanan of CPI(M) raised the issue of the rape and murder in Ernakulam district of Kerala on 28 April, terming it as a "dastardly attack" similar to that of the Nirbhaya incident in Delhi.

He drew the House's attention that similar rape incidents occurred in Kasargod last week, and in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday, adding "it is a black mark. Police is not very active in apprehending the culprits."

Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien said: "It is a very, very heinous crime. Most shameful for every Keralite."

Representational image. PTI.

Several members associated themselves with the issue and demanded strict action against the culprits, with Tarun Vijay of the BJP demanding that a team should visit the state.

Responding the anguish expressed by members, Gehlot told them that he would visit the state tomorrow and meet the victim's family. "I will help them in getting justice," he added.

Vijay, who had raised the issue as soon as the House met, said it was a repeat of the Nirbhaya case and that the Kerala government has "completely failed" to control such incidences. "God's own country" should not turn into a rapist country, he added.

D Raja (CPI) drew the government's attention towards the atrocities committed against Dalits across the country, adding that legislations have proved to be of no help.

SC Mishra (BSP) said that atrocities were happening across India.

"The House is concerned. Stringent action should be taken and exemplary punishment given. Do everything possible so that such incidents do not happen," Kurien said.

Parliamentary Affairs Ministers Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that the incident of rape and murder had crossed all limits and was inhuman.